India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, addressed the media regarding the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, June 14. The topic of whether Indian players would shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts was raised, given the prevailing policy established by Indian teams. Since the men’s Asia Cup 2025, Indian players have opted for a no handshake approach with Pakistan players, a trend that has persisted across various formats.

During the press conference, Harmanpreet chose not to elaborate on the handshake issue, focusing instead on her team’s preparations for the game. She explicitly stated that the priority for the team remains on the cricketing aspect and not off-field matters. Her comments underscore a focus on strategy and performance as they approach a highly anticipated encounter.

The captain’s stance reflects the ongoing sentiments within the Indian camp, which has consistently applied the no handshake policy in earlier matches, including those at the Rising Stars Asia Cup and the Under-19 Asia Cup. Similar practices were seen in the Under-19 World Cup encounters.

Anticipated Pressure in Pakistan Matches

When discussing the upcoming match, Harmanpreet acknowledged the pressure that comes with facing Pakistan, a rival with whom India has a storied history in T20I cricket. India holds a 13-3 record against Pakistan in T20I encounters and is significantly ahead with a 6-2 advantage in Women’s T20 World Cups. Despite this, she admitted the unique challenges posed by such high-stakes matches, highlighting the emotional weight they carry for both teams.

The captain stated that she has felt this pressure throughout her journey as a cricketer, from her early days as a fan to her current role as the team leader. Yet, she emphasised the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining a positive mindset. “We endeavour to remind each other that these matches should be enjoyable,” she said, pointing out the need to treat the game as just another opportunity to perform.

Harmanpreet further noted that the team’s strategy includes harnessing the excitement of the match while focusing on their performance. The aim is to channel this energy into a successful outing on the field, regardless of the rivalry’s historical context.

Aiming for Victory and Positive Momentum

As the tournament approaches, Harmanpreet expressed her intention for the team to begin on a strong note, reminiscent of their successful run in the Women’s ODI World Cup last year. “The first game always sets the tone for a tournament,” she asserted, indicating the importance of a positive start in building momentum.

She elaborated on the team’s current form, noting that they have secured three consecutive victories against Pakistan in Women’s T20Is. This winning streak further fuels their confidence as they prepare for the clash, with players keen to maintain high morale and continue their successful trend.

Looking ahead, the emphasis remains on seizing the moment and executing their plans effectively in the tournament. With all players eager to contribute positively, the Indian camp is set for what promises to be a highly competitive match against their traditional rivals. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as fans await the showdown.

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